Q - Coach: I just read an startling article by David Monti at Competitor [see here] telling how the male Kenyans have won 90% of the fall marathons....with the Ethiopians winning the other 10%. Is there any way Canadians or Americans can compete with these guys?

A – Absolutely, the North Americans can compete. But I know at this juncture it does appear rather daunting, considering:

1) according to theIAAF stats, as of Nov. 3/10, the number of different Kenyans running under

2:05:00 = 3

2:06:00 = 6

2:07:00 = 11

2:08:00 = 23

2:09:00 = 40 !!

2) and Canada’s current fastest marathoner is Reid Coolsaet at 2:11:23. [this may change after this weekend's New York City Marathon where Simon Bairu is competing] - [ed. note: Bairu had to drop out of the NYC Marathon - see account here.

But if we are to become competitive, it may be helpful to examine why we are not. I had a similar question about 10 years ago which I responded to in my old Newsletter, and, since I believe much of what I wrote still pertains, I have just added it to the Reading Room section.

A - Let me get this straight: you are not a snowboarder right?... seeking a different runner's high :) Ok....so like turfs up...

I am a HUGE proponent of grass running for every level of runner, for the following reasons:

1) Seldom will you encounter a truck or car and thus are nicely removed from traffic's toxic fumes. Just you and mother nature's kind offerings. A nice psychological break from the urban landscape.

2) Nicely groomed grass (and that's what you want to seek out) is a very forgiving surface. So each foot impact is offered a cushioning experience that is so much gentler vs. asphalt or concrete on the joints throughout the body, i .e., ankles, knees, hips, vertebral column. (note - I do not recommend running on frozen grass)

3) Your shoes just love it, as they just laugh at the grass blades paltry efforts to wear them down: is that all you got blades?

But here's the big one ! Wait for it....

4) Each foot plant is a unique opportunity that will never be repeated. Why? The grass and soil surface is uneven; thus, each foot plant is dealing with a particular surface topography that will be, to some extent, different from any other foot plant. Ever!

Is that not cool? It's like no two snowflakes are alike (for fun, you may want to visit www.snowcrystals.com and read the article here.

And when we land we endeavour to retain balance and flow of movement in a forward direction - recruiting muscles (auxiliaries or stabilizers) to relax or contract as needed in order to do this and thereby maintain optimal efficiency. A beautiful thing.

And in my book strengthening the stabilizers and their ability to recruit in the best interest of balance results in reducing the ever-present chance of getting injured, as well as, enhancing running efficiency,i.e., using less oxygen at a given running speed.

Ah I so long for those days when I would fall out of bed in the mornings, and head out to do a lap of the Islington golf course -totally ignoring the "Beware of Dogs" signs.